/library/oar/handle/123456789/327 2025-12-23T13:36:29Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141017 Title: Perceptions of hypnosis and hypnotherapy among adults Abstract: Hypnosis is a state of consciousness characterized by focused attention, reduced peripheral awareness, and an increased capacity to respond to suggestions. It can be utilized for various purposes, including self-hypnosis and entertainment (Elkins et al., 2015). Hypnotherapy specifically refers to the clinical use of hypnosis by trained professionals as therapeutic tool to address specific issues (APA, 2023). The two practices employ similar methods for inducing relaxation in order to make suggestions or explore the subconscious mind (Barrett, 2010), however hypnosis suffers from a negative reputation due to media misrepresentation and other misuses. For this reason, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of hypnosis and hypnotherapy among adults within a community sample. A Focus Group conducted at the University of Malta explored the knowledge, biases, feelings, influences, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of hypnosis and hypnotherapy along the perceived relationship between them across different domains. Thematic Analysis revealed key themes including fears and underestimation of hypnosis, positive experiences of trance-like states, recognition of hypnotherapy as a last resort problem-solving tool, and the influence of personal characteristics and the Maltese cultural context on perceptions. Further research and educational programs are needed to raise awareness and promote a deeper understanding of hypnosis and hypnotherapy among professionals and the general public. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141015 Title: Swimming and well-being in women of menopausal age : an exploratory study Abstract: Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle due to the termination of her ovarian functions, usually beginning between the ages of 45 and 55. Women’s well-being is affected by the symptoms of menopause, which may be of both a physical and a mental nature. Swimming is known to have therapeutic properties and thereby enhance quality of life. This study aimed to explore the effects of menopause on women, and the impact that regular swimming during their menopausal years can have on those effects. The objective was to explore the meaning that menopausal women give to swimming in their lives, including any benefits or risks posed to them by this form of exercise. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews from six women, aged between 45 and 55, who were experiencing signs of menopause and engaged in regular swimming. Thematic Analysis was employed as a methodological framework for analysing the transcripts. Four superordinate themes were identified, each theme further divided into various subthemes. Findings suggested that swimming is a suitable form of exercise for women of menopausal age and that the experience of regular swimming has a beneficial effect on both physical and mental well-being. A recommendation based on the study’s findings would be to create more awareness of the benefits of swimming in menopausal years and to encourage women to take up regular swimming, whether in a group or alone. Future research could explore how swimming compares to other forms of exercise for women of menopausal age. Description: B.Psy.(Hons)(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/141000 Title: Sex and the clergy : an insider perspective on attitudes towards celibacy Authors: Catania, Andrea; Lauri, Mary Anne Abstract: Sexuality is an important part of the human experience. It can be considered a sensitive topic especially in a religious context. Manliness, on the other hand, has been emphasised by the Catholic Church for many years (van Es, 2021). One example of this is through the support of male-dominant gender hierarchies in the Church (Gerber, 2015). Men and masculinities seem to be understudied in the religious sphere and studies on gender and religion tend to centre around women (Romeo Mateo, 2021). There is literature about celibacy and loneliness, however, many of these studies are among involuntary celibates known as incels (Sparks et al., 2023). Research on the intersection of sexuality, masculinity, and religion among clergy is lacking. This is surprising, since celibacy is a notable pillar of priesthood in the Catholic Church. It is especially so in the Maltese context where the ratio of priests in the community is high compared to other secularized societies. It is therefore important to understand what part sexuality plays in the life of a celibate person, especially in the context of hegemonic masculinity. This is because priests tend to fall between two male stereotypes: the hegemonic man and the biblical man (Roger, 2019). Hence, the aim of the study is to investigate whether there is a relationship between celibacy, manhood beliefs and loneliness. A survey will be carried out among a sample of Roman Catholic priests living in Malta. Questions from three scales will be used in the questionnaire: the Commitment to Celibacy Scale (Joseph et al., 2010), the Loneliness Scale (de Jong Grievald & Van Tilburg, 2006), and a manhood beliefs scale. The expected sample size is 150 male priests. There is an expected association between attitudes towards celibacy and manhood beliefs, as well as between attitudes towards celibacy and loneliness. However, the direction of the relationship will be determined by the results of the study. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/140996 Title: Pastor or manager? Young priests placed into a role they did not sign up for Authors: Catania, Gottfried; Mifsud, Andre Abstract: The number of young persons attracted to the priesthood in the Roman Catholic church in Europe has been steadily declining over the past few decades. Persons attracted to this role usually view it as a vocation, with the main occupational aspects of the role they are interested in being addressing the pastoral needs of their congregation, both from a spiritual and a personal/social perspective, and their involvement in the rites that are important to them and their faith. The number of persons interested in becoming priests or pastors has been steadily decreasing in most religions. As a result, in Malta, persons studying for the priesthood are thrust into the role of vice parish priest as soon as they are ordained and can expect to be “promoted” to parish priest soon after. The role of a parish priest is however much more managerial rather than pastoral, with incumbents expected to perform a number of managerial roles such as paying the bills and managing accounts, coordinating and leading various types and levels of meetings, and ensuring the smooth running of the parish as a whole. In most other organizations managers are surrounded by a dedicated team of people who have usually been specifically selected according to certain criteria, are a good fit with the organizational culture, and are all committed to the same goals. Parish workers, however, usually mostly include volunteers with limited availability of time and expertise, and at times having agendas which are at odds with the main agenda of the parish. Priests are not given any managerial training in their formative years, with training mainly focused on theology. Young priests have expressed concern at having to take up such an important role which they do not feel prepared for, and which is somewhat at odds with what they originally expected to be doing as priests. This qualitative study will interview young priests from an organizational psychology perspective, focusing on their perception of how what they are actually doing matches what they expected to be doing, with its possible consequent effects on motivation, job satisfaction, and attrition. Six to eight young priests will be interviewed, and data will be analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. [excerpt] 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z